Az GOP Candidate Vince Leach Sparks Backlash with Controversial Dog Feeding Joke

A recent comment made by GOP candidate Vince Leach during a gathering of gay Republicans in Pima County has sparked outrage and condemnation. Leach suggested that if Democrats were to win elections, Pima County’s stray dogs would be fed to Haitian immigrants, intensifying an already heated state Senate race that could influence legislative control.

This comment arose during a Log Cabin Republican meeting on September 22, where Leach, a former state senator who recently won the GOP primary, engaged in a dialogue with the audience. Representative Cory McGarr from Tucson emphasized the importance of securing votes across the Republican ticket, even for positions not elected in Arizona, like dog-catcher, asserting that Democrats would “screw it up” if they had control.

Leach’s comment drew audible discomfort from some audience members, yet he continued with a tone that suggested humor, stating, “I’m here all week.” His remark is linked to a conspiracy theory originally circulated by neo-Nazi groups aimed at demonizing Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. This unfounded claim has since permeated right-wing media channels, receiving endorsements from notable Republican figures, including Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and former President Donald Trump.

Following Trump’s endorsement of the theory, several Arizona Republicans, including Senate nominee Kari Lake, have perpetuated these malicious claims. Lake, while discussing allegations of pets being “barbecued” in Ohio, implied that cities were reluctant to confirm such rumors for fear of damaging their reputations.

Additionally, state nominee Mark Finchem shared a meme alluding to cats being consumed by Haitians, and Senator Wendy Rogers frequently promoted these false narratives on social media. The Arizona Republican Party even adopted the controversy into a billboard strategy, attempting to mimic fast-food advertisements but facing backlash from advocacy groups labeling it as racist and damaging to the Haitian community, which numbers approximately 2,900 individuals in the state.

Despite the lack of evidence linking Haitian migrants in Springfield to the alleged actions suggested by the GOP, the falsehoods have had serious repercussions. Authorities responded to over 30 bomb threats directed at schools and government buildings, leading to evacuations and heightened security measures in response to the climate of fear these fabrications have fostered.

Vance, although acknowledging the baselessness of the stories, defended their dissemination, claiming they spotlight the GOP’s immigration policy proposals. Neither Leach nor McGarr responded to inquiries regarding their awareness of the misinformation’s origins or implications.

In a statement to the Arizona Mirror, Pima County Democratic Party Chairman Eric Robbins articulated his concern, emphasizing, “Words have consequences. Spreading racist smears like this is dangerously irresponsible.” The statements purported by key GOP figures contribute to an alarming narrative that could endanger communities through incitement and division.

Footage from the public event has been obtained by the Arizona Mirror, highlighting the dismissive attitude toward the serious implications of such rhetoric.